Choctober looks to expand socially inclusive programs for disadvantaged women and girls

Reclink Australia’s Choctober campaign is currently raising funds and awareness for some of the most disadvantaged women and girls in our community.

Choctober funds raised last year allowed Reclink Australia to start a new initiative, our Women in Sport and Arts Program.

This holistic program offers a range of activities, solely for women and girls only, based on a year-long schedule for women from a domestic violence shelter, including a ‘Women’s Pamper’ day, followed by activities such as ten pin bowling, kayaking, snorkelling, social outings, swimming, and gym sessions.

Choctober funds have also deliver a recreational program for women residing in a mental health facility in Adelaide, and offered a summer watersport program to disadvantaged girls in a southern regional community.

Reclink will also be offering individual support to get young women into sport through our Transformational Links program.

Reclink Australia Chief Executive John Ballis explains “Choctober 2017 will directly fund programs that will have a lasting effect on the lives of those disadvantaged women and girls in greatest need throughout our community.

“For many, giving up chocolate for a month would be a struggle, but sadly, sacrificing chocolate is nothing compared to the real struggle many disadvantaged Australian women face every day.

“This campaign creates a clear and tangible link between the sacrifice of giving up chocolate and the impact your sacrifice will have to help rebuild lives.”

A recent four-year study by La Trobe University on the efficiency of Reclink’s programs showed that participation in sport, recreation and arts has a lasting, positive effect of the lives of disadvantaged Australians.

The Choctober campaign will raise community awareness of the lack of sport and arts participation opportunities for women experiencing mental health, homelessness, drug addiction, family violence and disability.

Reclink Australia is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to enhance the lives of people experiencing disadvantage or facing significant barriers to participation, through providing new and unique sports and arts opportunities and specialist recreation programs.

For more information on the Choctober campaign go to www.choctober.org

Lower image: Amanda was helped to overcome isolation issues by Choctober.

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